What is lymphedema? 

    The lymphatic system normally transports waste and protein-rich fluids away from the skin to the lymph nodes, where the fluid is filtered, returned to the bloodstream, and excreted.


    Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic tissues or lymph nodes are damaged, destroyed, or removed. The flow of lymph fluid is then significantly slowed or halted. As a result, an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates in the skin causing swelling arms and legs to feel heavy and tight.
     There are not specialized diagnostic tests to identify lymphedema, but your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and your description of symptoms. A history of radiation therapy to lymph node areas, lymph node removal, or being elderly or overweight all put you at an increased risk for developing the condition.

 Typical signs and symptoms of Lymphedema:

• Increased size of limb or body part
• Uneven fitting of clothing or jewelry
• Feeling of fullness, heaviness, or tightness in the affected area
• Decreased sensations in the affected area
• Recurrent infections of the skin or the affected limb
• Discoloration of the skin, especially in the legs
• Thickening of the skin
• Hardening of a limb
• Leakage of lymph fluid
• Massive swelling